Cameras

This one is actually pretty obvious–we’re so thankful for the camera, we named it our 2013 Technology of the Year. Why did we do it? Because the camera, more than ever, plays an integral part in making us drive better, smarter, safer…the list goes on. While sensors clearly had their heyday–serving as the backbone for park assist systems, blind spot information systems, automatic cruise control, and forward collision warnings, the camera (and the computers that process those images) should soon supplant the sensor. Cameras can now do all of the aforementioned things, and also provide us with clearer pictures of things like blind spots (see Honda’s LaneWatch) and parking spots (see Nissan’s Around View Monitor and comparable systems), not to mention blind intersections (BMW’s outward-facing front ¾ cameras). The latest talk about cameras is that the rear-view camera may be mandatory in the future. We’re neither surprised nor disappointed.